Max Verstappen ‘shocked’ by driver’s death in horror Nurburgring crash | F1 | Sport
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has expressed his “shock” after the tragic death of Juha Miettinen following a fatal crash in the 24hr Nurburgring race in Germany.
A seven-car pile-up resulted in the race being stopped, with one driver being airlifted to the hospital, while six others were said to be in non-life-threatening danger. Hours after the news was confirmed, Verstappen took to social media to send a message in tribute to Miettinen. “Shocked by what happened today,” Verstappen wrote in a post on his Instagram story.
“Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this, it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be.
“Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
The race control bulletin confirmed Miettinen’s death in a statement on Saturday.
“During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race,” the statement read.
“Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121); the driver died in the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.
“The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition.
“The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.
“A minute’s silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00.”
Verstappen was scheduled to be one of the competitors for the race at the Nurburgring in Germany, but was not on the track at the time of the seven-car crash.
